2023-07-23 15:18:41
After qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, the Formula 1 circus began to hope that Red Bull Racing’s winning streak this year might end. Because not season dominator Max Verstappen, but his former World Cup competitor Lewis Hamilton surprisingly burned the fastest time in his Mercedes on Saturday. In general, qualifying, in which a new mode was tested (only one of the three available tire compounds might be used in each section), had a few surprises in store. The ten fastest pilots were separated by less than six tenths. The top ten in the history of Formula 1 have never been closer together following qualifying. Proof that the budget cap is having an effect, even if rumors are piling up in the paddock that at least two teams should have ignored the budget limit last season.
Verstappen won the start
In Sunday’s race, however, Hamilton’s joy at his 104th pole position in the premier class was short-lived. Because even before the first corner, Verstappen, who had started the race from second place, took the lead. The 25-year-old Dutchman should never give up the lead once more. The double world champion crossed the finish line in a sovereign manner with a lead of more than 30 seconds. “The car was really very fast,” said Verstappen, who clinched his seventh win in a row. The Red Bull driver extended his lead to 110 points in the World Championship standings.
The Bulls thus celebrated their twelfth victory in a row, a new record in the history of Formula 1. The performance of Sergio Pérez in Budapest also proved how superior the Austrian racing team is this season. The Mexican mightn’t get past ninth place in qualifying, but worked his way up to third place at the Hungaroring, where overtaking is considered extremely difficult compared to many other tracks.
McLaren second force once more – Mercedes and Ferrari disappoint
Second force was in Hungary as before in Silverstone McLaren. Lando Norris was once once more able to celebrate second place, while team-mate Oscar Piastri lost feathers towards the end of the race and had to settle for fifth place.
On the other hand, the race for the top teams Mercedes and Ferrari was disappointing. Hamilton was fourth, but following pole position the Silver Arrows hoped for at least a podium finish for their record world champion. Teammate George Russell ended up sixth following a messed up qualifying session. Immediately behind them were the two Ferrari drivers, who once once more suffered bankruptcies, bad luck and breakdowns. Leclerc initially had a botched pit stop before receiving a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane.
Ricciardo with a strong comeback
AlphaTauri driver Daniel Ricciardo was a good 13th on his comeback. “The change worked out perfectly,” said Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko.
Ferrari and Co. will get the chance to do better next weekend in Spa-Francorchamps.
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